West Virginia online sportsbooks attract new sports bettors and keep existing ones by providing bonus offers and promo codes. It is a great way of maximizing your sports betting bankroll and maximizing.
- West Virginia Sports Betting: WV Sportsbook Sites, Apps & Promos It’s time to play online in West Virginia! Legal online betting is available to everyone physically located in the state and there are plenty of sportsbooks who are ready for you.
- Feb 02, 2021 Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in WV The most obvious benefit of online sports betting is convenience. Online sports gambling allows you to bet from your home computer or mobile device from anywhere within the state, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No need to drive to the sportsbook or casino, or to stand in line to wager.
- How doesWest Virginia online sports betting work Point spreads. The first type of betting in this category is likely the most common wager in all of sports betting. Moneylines are another type of wager that show up in almost every sports betting location. However, despite.
- Online sports betting is live in West Virginia! The Mountain State is now a full-service sports betting state with retail sportsbooks and online betting apps. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and William Hill are.
West Virginia sports betting has been live since August 2019. It was the fifth state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting, and although online sports betting was technically launched in 2018, a lengthy outage meant it never got fully on track until 2019.
Delegate Shawn Fluharty headed the drive to legalize sports betting in the Mountain State, and it was only after the third bill was introduced that things really got moving. At present, five casinos offer sportsbooks on their premises.
In this article, we’ll be taking a complete look at the in’s and out’s of West Virginia sports betting, including the top sportsbooks, the types of wagers you can place, and the exact legality of betting in this state.
Online Sports Betting In West Virginia
Top 5 Sportsbooks In West Virginia
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How Online Sports Betting Works In West Virginia
West Virginia Sports Betting Launch
WV sports betting was originally legalized in March 2018, and was officially launched in December later that year.
However, it suffered a setback after the only app – BetLucky – stopped operating in the state, which effectively meant that West Virginia sports bettors had no one to bet with.
Later in the year, after the repeal of PASPA, WV sports betting was launched once again, and there are now several sportsbooks and casinos that accept wagers.
How To Bet On Sports
Virginia Sports Gambling
If you’ve never placed a bet before, the good news is that betting on sports is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps:
- Choose a legal sports betting site that’s right for you and which is legal in West Virginia (we’ve listed some above)
- Create an account
- Make your first deposit and grab the welcome bonus
- Take a look at the sports on offer
- Look closely at the markets and betting options
- Find a bet you like the look of and check the odds
- If it all looks good, enter a stake
- Press “place bet” when you’re good and ready
Which West Virginia Casinos Have Sportsbooks?
Unlike other U.S. states, West Virginia only has a very small handful of casinos that currently offer sportsbooks. These are:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town – DraftKings Sportsbook
- The Greenbrier – FanDuel Sportsbook
- The Greenbrier – BetMGM Sportsbook
It’s worth noting that The Greenbrier is a private casino.
Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island both offered sportsbooks, too, but these have been suspended since 2019. Meanwhile, Mountaineer Casino accepts sports wagers on-site, but they don’t offer an online sportsbook just yet.
West Virginia Online Sports Betting Partnerships
As mentioned, there are currently three casinos that have entered into online sports betting partnerships with a sportsbook. However, the total number of casinos that have applied for a sports betting license is four, with Mountaineer Casino anticipated to enter into online sports betting partnership soon.
At the time of writing, then, these are the current sports-betting partnerships in the Mountain State:
- The Greenbrier Resort – FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings
It’s also worth mentioning that casinos can enter into multiple sports betting partnerships. However, the sports betting sites themselves have to apply separately for a license that allows them to operate in West Virginia legally.
What Can You Bet On Right Now In West Virginia?
West Virginia’s sports betting laws are really flexible, which means nothing is ruled out in terms of what you can bet on.
You can bet on all pro sports and college leagues. Exactly what you can bet on will come down to the sports betting app you sign up to. While all betting sites offer markets on major sports, they all offer different varieties when it comes to niche sports.
For example, if you wish to bet on badminton, you’ll need to find a sportsbook that offers this sport.
Other than sports, you can also bet on all kinds of sporting events and tournaments, such as the World Cup (soccer), the Stanley Cup (NHL), and the Super Bowl (NFL).
You can also bet on politics and reality TV shows.
What Bets Are Available At West Virginia Sportsbooks?
- Moneyline – The moneyline bet is the most popular type of wager. It’s super simple: All you have to do is bet on who you think will win a particular match. For example, if you bet on the Lakers to beat the Bulls, you will win your bet if the Lakers win. Nothing else needs to happen.
- Point spread – The point spread bet is similar to the moneyline bet, but there’s a slight difference: Instead of just betting who you think will win a match, you must also ‘beat the spread.’
For example, before a match starts, a sportsbook decides on a favorite and a dog. The favorite is always represented by a (-) sign and the dog by a (+) sign. Let’s say the Chiefs are playing the Bills, and the sportsbook thinks the Chiefs will win by -8.5 points. If you decide to have this bet, they must win by 9 points in order for you to win.
The point spread is a little harder to get right than the moneyline bet, but it’s seen as an attractive bet to those who understand the sport because the payout is bigger.
- Over/Under – The over/under bet is offered in most sports, although it varies slightly from sport to sport. For example, in an NBA game the sportsbook will set a combined total number of points scored between both teams before a game begins. Let’s say the Clippers are playing the Bucks, and the sportsbook sets the combined total at 190.5. It’s then up to you to decide whether you think the real total number of points will be over or under.
- Futures bets – Futures bets relate to things that will happen some weeks, months, or even a year or more ahead. For example, you could bet on who you think will win the Super Bowl before the regular NFL season has started.
Futures bets are popular because they’re exciting, and the payouts are often huge.
Taking Advantage Of Bonuses and Promotions
One of the best things about sports betting is that there are lots of bonuses and promotions to take advantage of. Here are some to watch out for:
- Welcome bonus – The sign-up bonus is only available to new players. It typically takes the form of a match deposit bonus, such as that offered by William Hill, which matches your first deposit. However, you can also find no welcome deposit bonuses if you look carefully, such as that currently offered by DraftKings.
- Reload bonus – The reload bonus is similar to the welcome bonus, but it’s only available once you make a second and third deposit. Like the welcome bonus, this is usually a match deposit that nets you free money based on the amount you’ve deposited.
- Free bets – Most betting sites offer their customers free bets every now and then. These are usually small (no more than $1).
- Rebates – Some sportsbooks offer rebates on specific sports or sporting events. For example, a sportsbook might refund you 10% of all losses on horse racing over a set of few days.
- VIP program – VIP programs reward customers with extra perks, such as free bets. To be invited, you must be a regular sports bettor at sportsbooks.
West Virginia Sports Betting Laws
WV sports betting laws are pretty simple. You must be aged 21 or over in order to legally place a bet, and you cannot bet via an offshore betting site. You can bet on local college teams, as well as at fully licensed casinos, such as The Greenbrier.
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQ
Is Sports Betting Legal In West Virginia?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in West Virginia since 2019.
When Can West Virginia Residents Start Placing Bets?
West Virginia residents can start placing wagers as soon as they’ve signed up to a sports betting site and made their first deposit.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Legally Bet In West Virginia?
You must be at least 21 years old in order to legally bet in WV.
Is It Legal To Bet On WV Sports Teams?
Yes, although WV isn’t home to any major franchise teams. But if you wish to bet on nearby teams, such as West Virginia favorites the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Philadelphia Eagles, you can do that.
You can also bet on local college sports in West Virginia, such as West Virginia University.
Do I Have To Live In West Virginia To Bet Online?
No, you just need to be within state lines whenever you place a bet.
Is Mobile Sports Betting Available In West Virginia?
Yes. You just need to find a mobile sports betting app that’s right for you and switch your GPS on.
Final Word On WV Sports Betting
West Virginia residents can now start placing bets, thanks to the legalization of sports betting in this state.
The next step is to take a closer look at the best sports betting apps that are available, before creating an account and making your first deposit. Then, you can grab the welcome bonus – and start betting.
West Virginia was one of the first U.S. states to legalize sports betting, officially passing Senate Bill 415 in March 2018. Under this law, each of the state’s five casino and racetrack venues were allowed to pursue both retail and online sports betting options. Just a few months later West Virginia became the fifth state with legal sports wagering in August of 2018.
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This page will serve as your complete guide for all things West Virginia sports betting. We’ll cover the legislation process, who can bet, the places you can do it, and more. Let’s dig in.
West Virginia Sports Betting General Info
First, West Virginia law does place a few restrictions on who can wager. If you can satisfy these requirements, you’re good to go.
Age
In order to bet on sports in West Virginia you must be at least 21 years old. This requirement applies for placing bets in person at a casino or racetrack, or using an online bookmaker or mobile app. While some states, like New Hampshire, have gone with 18, 21 is still very much the industry standard and shouldn’t come as much of a shock.
Location, Location, Location
The old real estate adage also applies for sports betting in the U.S. In order to bet on sports in West Virginia you must be physically located in West Virginia. If you’re not in WV, you’re out of luck, it’s as simple as that. It doesn’t matter if you’re just driving through, in town for a conference, skiing for the weekend, etc., you just need to be in state. All online sports betting mobile apps and browser based sportsbooks will require you grant access to location services, or install a GPS plugin to prove where you are.
Registration
While some states have elected to require in-person registration at a participating casino or racetrack, West Virginia is not one of them. You can download a sports betting app, or visit a WV online sportsbook website from anywhere, including out of state, to create an account. You can set everything up and even make a deposit prior to setting foot in the state.
Licenses
West Virginia law allows for each of the state’s five casinos and racetracks to apply for a sports betting license. Licensees will be able to host three separate online skins on each license. Each license requires a $100,000 application fee and will last for five years, at which point an additional $100K is required for renewal. West Virginia will tax sports betting at 10%, both live and online.
Active West Virginia Sportsbooks
All five of the approved casino/racetracks in West Virginia are now licensed to offer sports betting, and each has opened an on site brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
| Casino | Retail Sportsbook | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races | The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Charles Town | Aug. 30, 2018 |
| The Greenbrier | FanDuel Sportsbook | Sep. 14, 2018 |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack | William Hill Sportsbook | Nov. 21, 2018 |
| Mardi Gras Casino | Betly Sportsbook | Jan. 31, 2020 |
| Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack | Betly Sportsbook | Jan. 31, 2020 |
West Virginia Online Sportsbooks
The five licensees are each permitted to host three online skins, therefore West Virginia has the potential to house 15 different online sportsbooks. Online operations that are currently active in the state include:
| Online Sportsbook | Casino Partner(s) | Tech Partner | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | The Greenbrier | FanDuel | Aug. 26, 2019 |
| DraftKings | Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races | Kambi | Aug. 28, 2019 |
| BetMGM | The Greenbrier (skin) | BetMGM | Jan. 21, 2020 |
FanDuel
- License Partner: The Greenbrier
- Retail Launch: September 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: FanDuel
- Mobile Launch: August 26, 2019
FanDuel is best known as a leading operator within the daily fantasy sports industry, but has quickly become a sports betting juggernaut in the regulated U.S. market. Trailing just New Jersey, West Virginia was the second state to gain access to FanDuel’s online sports betting product which features a complete catalog of popular events. Users can bet from a browser on their computer, or download the mobile app to an android or iOS device.
FanDuel offers a user-friendly experience that features all of the most popular betting options including traditional wagers like spreads, moneylines, and total points – plus live wagers, futures, props, and more. Regular promotions are also available to add more value, like odds boosts and bet insurance.
FanDuel is also the on site sponsor of the retail sportsbook at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. If you plan to place bets in person though, it’s worth noting that their casino is actually private, and is only accessible to members or hotel guests. Also, you’ll need dress for the Royale casino experience – be sure to bring your sport coat. While you don’t have to register in person at the casino, you can deposit/withdraw funds from your online FanDuel Sportsbook account directly from the casino cage at The Greenbrier.
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DraftKings
- License Partner: Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races
- Retail Launch: August 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch: August 28, 2019
The undisputed ruler of daily fantasy sports, the DraftKings’ kingdom is growing… and fast. DraftKings launched its mobile product in West Virginia on Aug. 28, 2019, using the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races’ license. While DraftKings isn’t the official sponsor of the retail sportsbook at the Hollywood Casino, you can still deposit and withdraw at the casino cage.
DraftKings offers a lucrative sports betting rewards program, a valuable welcome package, and a wealth of unique ways to bet on sports including flash bets, pools, teasers, parlays, and more. The DraftKings sportsbook will prominently feature the most important live and upcoming events so it’s never hard to find the right bet.
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BetMGM
- License Partner: The Greenbrier
- Retail Launch: N/A
- Tech Partner: BetMGM
- Mobile Launch: January 21, 2020
MGM is one of the largest names in casino gaming around the world, and is rapidly expanding its online portfolio. BetMGM sportsbook launched in West Virginia on January 21, 2020, as the second of a possible three skins on The Greenbrier’s license. However, since it’s not the retail sportsbook sponsor at The Greenbrier (FanDuel), you can’t deposit or withdraw in person at the casino. BetMGM exists in West Virginia entirely online.
BetMGM offers a comprehensive online sportsbook with all of the amenities bettors have come to know and love. It’s easy to fund your account, find the wager you want, and it only takes a few clicks to submit it through. Register your BetMGM WV account from anywhere, and be ready for your next visit.
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BetLucky – Gone But Not Forgotten
BetLucky.com was actually the first online sportsbook to launch in West Virginia through its partnership with the Delaware North properties in the state, Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island. It accepted the first West Virginia online sports bets in December 2018, a full 8 months before the next operator would go online. However, it’s run was short lived. Due to a contract dispute with its tech partner, Miomni. BetLucky halted operations just a few months later in March 2019, and did not reopen.
Betly Sportsbook has relaunched as the retail sportsbook at both sites, and is expected to commence online betting soon.
West Virginia Online Sportsbooks On The Way
As mentioned above, West Virginia can potentially host up to fifteen online sportsbooks, so there’s definitely room to grow. Here are a few more online operators that could make an appearance in the Mountain State soon.
Betly Sportsbook
- License Partner: Mardi Gras Casino, Wheeling Island
- Retail Launch: January 31, 2020
- Tech Partner: IGT
- Mobile Launch: TBD
Following BetLucky’s departure from the WV market, both the Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island casinos were left without sports betting of any kind. After many rumors and more than 9 months of searching, they landed on Betly Sportsbook. Betly Sportsbook launched as the rebranded retail sportsbook at both Delaware North casinos in West Virginia at the end of January 2020, just days before the Super Bowl. An online sports betting app will be following soon, providing another excellent option for WV mobile sports bettors.
William Hill
- License Partner: Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort
- Retail Launch: November 21, 2018
- Tech Partner: William Hill
- Mobile Launch: TBD
William Hill, the uber-popular UK bookmaker has been a regular fixture in sports betting since the 1930s. Now firmly entrenched in the regulated U.S. market, William Hill offers online sports betting in numerous states including New Jersey and Iowa. In West Virginia, William Hill has partnered with the Mountaineer Casino to provide retail spots betting on premises. While its mobile app and online book is not yet available, it’s only a matter of time. Keep your eyes peeled for WH to hit the market soon.
Barstool Sportsbook
- License Partners: Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races (estimated)
- Retail Launch: TBD
- Tech Partner: TBD
- Mobile Launch: TBD
In January 2020 Penn National Gaming purchased a 36% stake in Barstool Sports for $163 million, with plans to use it as the company’s flagship sports betting brand moving forward. Penn National is expected to open retail Barstool Sportsbooks in numerous states, in addition to launching an online product to match. West Virginia’s Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races has been rumored as one of the first retail sportsbooks to rebrand under the Barstool banner.
West Virginia Sports Betting Options
West Virginia sportsbooks have the ability to accept wagers on all of the most popular bet types. What’s more, online sportsbooks are able offer much larger betting sheets when compared their retail counterparts, and even offer up to the second live, in-game wagers. Current options include, but aren’t limited to:
- Moneyline
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Futures
- Props
- Live Betting (as the event happens)
West Virginia doesn’t have any major betting exceptions of note. While some states may restrict activity on collegiate athletics, they’re fair game in WV where West Virginia University and Marshall are amongst the largest in-state fanbases.
Banking with West Virginia Online Sportsbooks
When it comes to funding your online sportsbook account, West Virginia bettors have plenty of choices. Not all sites are the same though, so there will be differences from sportsbook to sportsbook. Options you’re likely to see include:
- Debit/Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)
- Online Banking Transfer
- ACH/eCheck
- Prepaid Play+ Card
- Wire Transfer
- Skrill
- PayNearMe (available at participating retail stores: CVS, Family Dollar, 7Eleven, etc.)
While not all West Virginia online sportsbooks have a retail partner, you can typically deposit in person, at the casino cage if there is one. For example, you can always deposit or withdraw money from a FanDuel Sportsbook account at The Greenbrier casino cage.
West Virginia Betting Platforms
Mobile bettors will have access to all of the main platforms in West Virginia. Currently, active mobile sites offer apps for both iOS and Android devices. The iOS apps can be found directly in the app store, while Android users can download theirs from either the respective app store, or by visiting the sportsbook’s website.
For those looking to bet on a computer, browser-based sportsbooks are also available for each online book. The only download required for browser betting is the geolocation plugin to prove that you are in state.
The Benefits of State Regulated Sports Betting
Safety
The most important advantage is unquestionably safety. With legal sites you know that the operator has complied with state regulations, and is regularly evaluated to make sure everything is up to code. Placing a wager on a regulated site is no different than walking into a Vegas casino and betting there.
Easy Banking Transactions
Offshore sites often rely on payment methods like crypto currency to fund accounts, which may have a learning curve in itself. With legal sports betting operators, there are numerous, simple, deposit options. For example, you can enter a credit card number and you’re good to go. When it’s time to withdraw? You can drive right to your mobile sites partner casino and withdraw in cash, have them mail you a check, etc.
Better Customer Support
Customer support for regulated sites is far superior. You’ll have access to detailed FAQ pages, email, phone, and helpful live chat. And if you ever have an issue that the sports betting site can’t help with, you can always take it directly to the state lottery, which is responsible for regulating the industry in West Virginia.
Competition Breeds Better Products
In most states that have legalized sports betting there are multiple apps, meaning you have choices. The great thing about choice, is that it motivates the lesser products to get better. If they don’t, they won’t get your business. Offshore sites are difficult to operate and even harder to fund, thus users tend to stick with one regardless of quality, just because it’s convenient. Within the regulated world you can easily shop around for the best lines and promotions.
West Virginia’s Gambling History
Wv Online Sports Betting App
West Virginia has been one of the most progressive states in the region when it comes to gambling. Dog and horse racing have been a fixture in the state for the better part of a century, and it was also quick to embrace both slots and table games. As neighboring states have finally come around on gambling legislation, West Virginia has continually sought new ways to stay ahead of the curve – and pursuing sports betting and mobile wagers is certainly a way to do it.
The state’s battle for sports betting began years ago. AG Patrick Morrisey made waves in 2016 by supporting New Jersey’s federal challenge of PASPA, the law that forbade new sports betting legislation across the country. Efforts continued in 2017 with a failed bill, and additional research into the subject. West Virginia finally broke through in 2018, legalizing sports betting through Senate Bill 415 in March. Once PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court in May of the same year, the sky was the limit for sports betting in WV.
After a quick rollout, the first legal sports bets were placed in the state on August 30, 2018 at the Hollywood Casino Charles Town. Online wagers, which are ideal in a mountainous, often difficult to traverse state like WV, followed in December.
FAQ
Is it legal to bet on sports in West Virginia?
Yes! It’s completely legal to wager on sports in West Virginia. The state has been accepting legal sports bets since August 2018.
Are both online and retail sports betting allowed?
Absolutely, you can bet in-person at one of the state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos, or download one of the available sports betting mobile apps.
Where are the retail sportsbooks in the state?
West VA has five retail sportsbook sites. Generally speaking, they are well spread out along the edges of the state. Their names and locations are as follows:
Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races – Charles Town, WV
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, WV
Mountaineer Casino – New Cumberland, WV
Mardi Gras Casino – Cross Lanes, WV
Wheeling Island Casino – Wheeling, WV
Who oversees sports betting in West Virginia?
The West Virginia State Lottery Commission is responsible for overseeing operations in the state.
What is the legal age to wager on sports in WV?
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in West VA.
After I have signed up, can I bet from outside of West Virginia?
Unfortunately not. You must be inside the state to bet.